BSN vs. ADN

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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I was wondering if somebody could explain the difference between a bachelors degree in nursing and an associate degree in nursing. I know it requires more schooling. I am interested in becoming an OB nurse, but I am confused about which route to take. I know you can become an RN with an ADN, so what is the benefit of getting a BSN? Thank-you to anyone that can help.

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An Associate Degree requires two years of college. Prerequisites can be done before applying to the nursing program or concurrently. I don't know of many applicants to our ADN program that did not already have all the prerequisites when they applied to the program. The Bachelors degree will enrich your nursing education with management type classes. The BSN is a four-year degree. Keep in mind that the ADN and the BSN graduate take the same state board exam. I think it is up to you how much time you can invest in college before seeing some of your nursing wages. If you go the ADN route, you can always do the BSN later. But in the mean time you are earning nursing wages. The BSN prepares you for a management nursing role in my opinion, however, I do know that some nurses have entered into that role without the BSN. I myself have an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and a Bachelors in Science not related to nursing. I am an Allied Health Educator. Good luck.

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Once upon a time, many years ago (30), when I went to college I had to choose between an ADN & a BSN program. I was straight out of high school (i.e. used to studying, working only to take care of myself, w/ minimal other responsibilities) so I went for the four year BSN program at UofVa...and have NEVER regretted it for many reasons.

My requirements to graduate included sciences but also basic knowledge in areas like english literature, world history, geography, art appreciation, etc...so I have a very well rounded college education. This makes me a better educated person, I think, than just "plowing through" nursing school.

I watch my peers at work who are trying to "go back" for their BSN or BS in a health-related field. It is much more difficult for them to do, as by now most are married with children and find it more difficult to focus on the accademics. Not impossible--just more challenging.

I listen to the ADN "kids" now in school describe all the "pre-reqs" to get into the program...and all the time they spend doing it...and can't help but wonder why they didn't just do the BSN program. Here in 'Vegas, it ends up being one year difference in time commited to completion!

***but a word of caution: DO check out the BSN program!!! Mine was developed from a diploma in nursing program so it was VERY patient/bedside centered with many clinical hours the last two years. SOME programs are not! Some BSN programs' goal is to produce ADMINISTRATORS but really do not prepare the student well for entry positions as staff nurses. Mine focused on preparing us for the bedside, with some management/supervisory focus our senior year. Be SURE to evaluate clinical training times...it will make a difference in how you function when you graduate!

Hope this helps! Haze :-)

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I have a BA but am going back to school for nursing and I'm wondering what people thing about this question: which is more important, the BSN credential or the amount of clinical time a program offers?

I am choosing between an ABSN program with only about 1 day of clinicals/week for 15 months and a clinical-heavy diploma program. All other things are essentially equal (cost, convenience, etc.) except for the study time required, which is substanitally more for the ABSN. I already have a bachelor's degree, though it is in a completely non-scientific field. Which program do you think woudl be better?

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